Sunfire L4-2.2L VIN 4 (1996)
Voltage Signal: Description and Operation
DESCRIPTION
The operation of the charging system is monitored by the PCM. The PCM monitors the charging system loads and adjusts the idle speed
accordingly. The PCM also sends information to the Instrument Panel Cluster (IPC) when the charging system is inoperative and tells the IPC to
illuminate the volts telltale lamp.
OPERATION
The generator provides voltage to operate the vehicles electrical system and to charge the vehicles battery. A magnetic field is created when
current flows through the rotor. This field rotates as the rotor is driven by the engine, creating an IAC voltage in the stator windings. The AC
voltage is converted to DC voltage by the rectifier bridge and is supplied to the electrical system at the battery terminal.
The PCM supplies 5 V through the L circuit to the generator. If the generator becomes inoperative, the PCM can detect the fault through the L
circuit and tell the IPC to illuminate the volts telltale lamp.
The PCM monitors the duty cycle of the generator through the F circuit. As the generator load increases, the PCM will adjust the idle speed
accordingly. If the IPC does not see any activity from the PCM on the F circuit, the IPC will illuminate the volts telltale lamp.
COMPONENTS
The generator assembly is mounted to the front of the engine on the passenger side of the vehicle. The KS-type generator uses an internal regulator
which features built-in fault detection. The Model KS-i 30 generator used on this vehicle, is not to be disassembled for service.
